Wellness Clinics at Greater Clark County Schools

Education plays a role in many aspects of an individual’s growth and a community’s well-being. According to the Foundation’s 2015 Assessment of Needs and Priorities in Clark and Floyd Counties, improvements in education can put a range of positive feedback loops in motion across all areas of our community, including the economy and healthful living as well as our arts and culture.

In 2016, the Community Foundation awarded a catalyst grant for the Student Wellness Clinics at Greater Clark County Schools.

The Student Wellness Clinics provide care to students across all ages in Greater Clark County Schools and are designed to keep kids in school – helping them gain the learning experiences needed to progress further with their academic careers and become successful and responsible citizens.

Health services coordinator for Greater Clark County Schools, Teresa Stengel, said “After our first year of operating the Student Health Clinic at both Jeffersonville and Charlestown High Schools, we found that approximately 32% of our students report not having a family care physician. Because of this, instead of addressing an illness when symptoms first present, many of our students’ treatable illnesses deteriorated to the point they were missing a more significant amount school.” She continued, “Thanks to this program, our attendance rates are improving because our students are able to remain healthier. When they start feeling ill, a student is able to meet directly with a nurse practitioner free of charge, receive the care needed to treat their illness, and return to class as soon as possible. Simply put, it’s helping kids stay in the classroom.”